Staffs have been used widely in Asia since the beginning of recorded history, by both monks and common people. The bo is an evolution of the common staff, created and used on the Japanese island of Okinawa. The martial art of Bojutsu, which utilises the bo, was commonly practiced by Chinese monks and reached Okinawa through trade between China and the island. Also termed Rokushakubo (from the Japanese roku, meaning six), the bo appears around 6 foot in length. Typically, the bo is constructed from unfinished hard or more flexible wood. Today, rattan wood is also a popular choice.